Wellington’s best recognised at annual awards

Tuesday 10 December 2019

Sale’s Michael Page OAM was awarded the 2020 Wellington Citizen of the Year, at a luncheon held today in Sale.

Mr Page has made an incredible contribution to the Wellington community for many years, with many asking how he finds the time to volunteer for so many organisations and causes.

Some of Mr Page’s most recent involvements include the Monday Tucker Program which provides a weekly hot meal for those less fortunate; the Sale Music Festival; the Police Mentoring Program; the Engaging Youth Program; the SEED Community Garden initiative; and the Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre.

Alex Nicholls of Munro was names Young Citizen of the Year for his contribution to his local farming communities battling the drought. The 11-year-old organised a very successful fundraising fun run for drought affected farmers and their families.

Sale City Band took the honours in the Group of the Year category. The band was first established 148 years ago and is an institution in Wellington.

Their bright red uniforms and signature brass band sound are synonymous with community celebrations in our region. Members of the band give their time freely to provide musical entertainment for many events throughout Wellington and beyond.

The Event of the Year category was won by Sale United Football Club for its Annual Primary Schools Twilight Tournament, which sees more than 500 primary aged children of all abilities learning to play soccer in a competition held over eight weeks.

The tournament has been running for 25 years and is a highlight of the sporting calendar for many primary school children throughout Wellington.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Alan Hall congratulated all the nominees and winners of the annual awards.

“In Wellington Shire we are fortunate to have so many fantastic residents who really care about their towns and the people in them,” he said.

“They actively become involved, using their passions, skills and experience to make Wellington a better place to live.

“Today we recognised their generosity and congratulated these extraordinary citizens on their commitment to our community.”

Wellington Shire Council Australia Day award winners: